Committed to developing his skill, he enrolled in the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, and testament to his talent, was granted a scholarship.

“You cannot just magically decide you want to become an actor,” he reflects.

After finishing his stint with All My Children and working in Trader Joe’s supermarket, the former rugby player managed to nab the job of his dreams.

With his work day beginning at 6 a.m., O’Riordan says the most difficult thing is staying on top of everything that is happening the celebrity world.

“We are producers and everything is leading through a bigger picture. The hardest thing is getting to grips with all the knowledge and who people are,” he said.

The celebrity who impressed him the most is funnyman Jack Black.

“He was really cool when I interviewed him. You have a fear that the funny ones on screen will be (jerks) in real life but Jack was hilarious and really cool polite and friendly,” he said, adding he is “a good role model for anyone.”
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Living in the same neighborhood as the Irish soccer captain and LA’s Galaxy’s latest recruit, Robbie Keane, he admits the two Irishmen have yet to bump into each other.

“I have not met up with Robbie but if he wants to grab a pint at some stage I’d be more than happy to. He knows how to find me,” he jokes.

When I ask him about the invasive aspect of being a celebrity reporter he admits he agrees with Colin Farrell’s sentiment on being a well-known figure.

“People that say my job is an invasive way of getting information. Really have no scope or idea how media outlets run as a whole.

“I agree with Colin Farrell, if you embark on a career in entertainment you are always going to be in the public eye, you know exactly what you are signing up for when you become a celeb, you sign away your privacy and you are well compensated financially,” he said.

Does Ireland need a version of TMZ? The Cork man definitely thinks so.

“I think it could work,” he says. “I will be ready, willing and able to go!”
But for the near future O’Riordan admits that LA is his home.

“I am all about work ethic and determination,” he explains.

He says being Irish has helped his career advance so far. “You are being differentiated and it’s instant conversation starter, we have a known work ethic,” he said, concluding “It’s important to fly the flag”.